The death toll from the December 22, 2024, Mexican Navy (Semar) plane crash in West Galveston Bay, Texas, during a child medical evacuation has risen to six, including two-year-old Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz and a Shriners Hospital doctor. Two survivors were rescued; President Claudia Sheinbaum offered condolences and ordered an investigation.
The Beechcraft King Air 350 (NX 1209) departed Mérida International Airport around 1:00 p.m. local time, carrying eight people on a mission for the Michou y Mau Foundation. Contact was lost 10 minutes after entering the area near Scholes International Airport; the U.S. Coast Guard aided rescue efforts amid initial reports of fog.
Federico suffered 40% body burns from boiling water on December 18 in Escárcega, Campeche. After initial treatment at IMSS Bienestar Escárcega and stabilization at Mérida's Hospital General Agustín O'Horan, he was airlifted. His family, street vendors, alleged possible negligence in local care and traveled 300 km by private vehicle for transfer.
Confirmed deceased: Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz; pediatrician Juan Alfonso Adame González (Shriners); Lieutenants Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández (ANPA), Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores (SSN), and Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones; Seaman Guadalupe Flores Blanco (ANE). Castillo's body was recovered December 23. Survivors: mother Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera and nurse Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla. Local Sky Decker helped rescue one from near-submerged wreckage.
President Sheinbaum expressed condolences, calling it 'very sad.' The foundation reaffirmed its burn care commitment since 1998. Father Edward Ramírez Franco secured a U.S. humanitarian visa. Black boxes are under analysis; FAA and Semar investigations continue.
